Activities For Boshihs

Introduction

Boshihs are the result of intentional breeding between
two small dogs – the Boston Terrier, and the Shih Tzu. The resultant puppy is
one that grows no larger than around 20 pounds, and has long, silky fur that sheds.
Most Boshihs are friendly, love being around their owners all the time, and
enjoy stimulating activities to help pass the time. While they are more
suitable for individuals or couples, they can learn to love children and other
pets as well. Finding it tough to come up with ways to keep your Boshih out of
trouble? Here are a few to get you started.

Teeth Brushing

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

5 min

Items needed

Toothpaste

Toothbrush

Treats

Activity description

Teeth
brushing might not seem like a fun activity, but it’s an essential one. And, failure to do it at least a few times per week
can result in oral infections that cause unnecessary pain for your Boshih (and
your wallet!) All you need is a treat, toothpaste, and toothbrush, and five
minutes every time you set out to brush them. It’s also cheap, straightforward, and you can do it in any weather.
If you clean your Boshih’s teeth from a
young age, you may also find it’s not an activity they fight, and they may even enjoy
the taste of the toothpaste.

Step

1

Buy tools

When you bring your Boshih home as a puppy, don’t forget to stock up on the essentials! You will need a pet toothbrush and paste from your local vet clinic. The toothpaste is not the same as what you use to brush your teeth (human toothpaste can be toxic to dogs) and tends to have more of a chicken or beef flavor to it. Give your dog a taste of it before starting to clean. If you cannot get a toothbrush from your local vet clinic, opt for a human child’s soft-bristled brush instead.

Step

2

Gentle motions

When your Boshih is calm and relaxed, lift their lips so you can see their teeth and gums. Gently clean them in gentle movements as you would your own, not brushing too hard or long along the gums. Make sure you scrub the outside surfaces well as you may not be able to get to the inside area.

Step

3

Molars and canines

Make a special effort to target your pup’s molars and canines, for these teeth are more prone to decay and tartar than others. Once they are clean, reward your dog with a treat. If you can’t brush your Boshih’s teeth as much as you would like, give them dental toys as often as possible so they can lift tartar themselves.

Crate Training

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Hard

10 min

Items needed

Crate

Toys

Blankets

Treats

Activity description

Boshihs
don’t like to be left home alone, and if they do, they can be quite
destructive. If you don’t want to take the risk, or you want your dog to know
an area of the property is theirs, then dedicate time when they are a puppy to
crate training. While it’s a challenge and you do have to buy toys, blankets, a
crate, and treats, it will be worth it in the end. You also only need to spend
10 minutes at a time working on getting them to enjoy their crate. It will take
a long time and a lot of patience, but this all-weather activity is one that
will pay off in so many ways.

Step

1

Food association

Start the positive association with your Boshih’s crate off on the right foot. Throw treats into it and let your dog wander in there on their own to retrieve them. Once they associate it with food, then begin feeding them their regular meal in the crate too. Build that positive, rewarding association so your dog will happily want to be near or in the cage.

Step

2

Begin crating

Now that your Boshih is not scared of their crate, you can begin putting them inside it for short periods. Call them over, give them a treat, and say “crate” or “kennel” for word association. Let them enter, provide them with another treat, then close the door. Sit with them for around five minutes then leave the room for only a few more. You can then return and sit with them before letting them out. Repeat this a few times a day, putting your Boshih in there on their own for more extended periods every time.

Step

3

Leave the house

Your dog is finally getting used to spending time in the crate, so you can begin leaving your home for 30 minutes at a time, allowing your Boshih to see you are coming back and they aren’t stuck in there forever! Make sure you add their favorite toys and blankets in with them, and always offer a treat when they go inside.

Begging

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Easy

5 min

Items needed

Treats

Activity description

Boshihs
love to learn new skills, and begging is one of them. This all-weather activity
is one that won’t take them all that long to learn
but is one that will form part of their repertoire of tricks to bring out
during social occasions. All you need is five
minutes to spare several times a day, a handful of treats, and a bit of
patience. You can then enjoy this easy and free activity that brings joy to
your dog when they see how happy their moving makes you! They will also benefit
from both mental and physical stimulation when they do it!

Step

1

Sit

Step one is to make your dog sit using the sit command. If your pup is still not familiar with how to sit, or you are still teaching them this step, then wait until they are confident with it. Otherwise, you may not be able to show your Boshih how to beg all that easily!

Step

2

Raise up

When your dog is sitting patiently, put a treat in front of their nose and tell them to beg. The word “beg” is to become your trigger word. As your pup leans in to get the treat, raise it over them, so your dog has to stand up on two legs to be able to reach. Keep bringing the treat up until they are in the beg position. Use your trigger word then offer the treat with plenty of positive praise.

Step

3

Practice makes perfect

Repeat step one and two over and over again. Sit, beg, and raise the treat up until they are on two legs. Before long, your dog will learn how to beg without the use of treats to lure them upward. Such a skill is sure to become one of their favorite ones when they see you with some food they want!

More Fun Ideas...

Chew Toys

Boshihs
can become anxious when you are not home, which is why you may like to teach
them how to enjoy their crate using the information above. You can also make
them less destructive with your possessions by giving them items of their own
to chew. Buy a basket and load it full of fun chew toys that will challenge
your pup. You may even like to buy some you can put food inside.

Walks

Boshihs
only have little legs, which means that no matter where you take them on your
walk, it’s going to tire them out. You can go to the park, around your neighborhood,
or even out in nature. Both you and your furry friend will enjoy being able to
get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Conclusion

Boshihs
will challenge you mentally and physically every day, but this pawsitively delightful
breed is one that will always put a smile on
your face. Try out any of these activities above, or come up with ideas
of your own. Your dog will be happy with anything you do with them, as long as
you are by their side.